DJ Lagway soars in final On3 rankings, finishes as country's No. 1 QB
When it comes to a player’s ranking, nothing is more important than how he performed on Friday nights. And during the 2023 season, Florida Gators quarterback signee DJ Lagway of Willis, Texas, was nothing short of spectacular.
When his incredible 13-game stretch was over, Lagway had passed for 4,631 yards, 58 touchdowns and 6 interceptions while completing 72.1 percent of his attempts. And, he added 975 rushing yards as his team went 12-1.
Monday morning, On3 rewarded Lagway for his amazing efforts.
The touted recruit has finished as the No. 1-ranked quarterback and No. 2 overall player nationally in the final On3 rankings for the 2024 class. Lagway moved up from No. 16 overall. Ohio State receiver signee Jeremiah Smith of Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna landed in the No. 1 spot.
DJ Lagway had an epic season last fall
“DJ Lagway had a phenomenal senior season at Willis (Texas) High. The Florida signee posted the best production of any top 2024 quarterback, while playing good competition – and it’s not particularly close,” Charles Power, Director of Scouting and Rankings for On3, said.
Here’s a look at On3’s rankings history with Lagway …
-Dec. 7, 2022 (his commitment day): No. 7 overall
-Feb. 27: No. 21
-July 10 (following the Elite 11): No. 46
-Sept. 18: No. 20
-Nov. 20: No. 15 (Lagway subsequently moved down to No. 16 after 5-star receiver Ryan Williams reclassified from 2025 to 2024)
Lagway, an Under Armour All-American, is an early enrollee at Florida. He arrived in Gainesville and moved into his apartment in early January.
Lagway arguably is the most celebrated signee in Florida Gators football history.
He has won numerous awards for his special season
In recent weeks, he also has earned other prestigious honors, including the following:
-Gatorade National Player of the Year — one of the most prestigious honors in high school sports. Additionally, he was Gatorade’s Player of the Year in Texas. Lagway is the fourth Florida signee to win the award. The others are running back Emmitt Smith (1986-87), quarterback Brock Berlin (1999-2000) and quarterback John Brantley (2006-07).
Smith, now in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, was in Gainesville earlier this month to help honor Lagway.
-Lagway was named Dave Campbell’s 2023 Mr. Texas Football. Mr. Texas Football annually recognizes the most outstanding high school football player in the state of Texas. As a partner of the TaxAct Texas Bowl, Lagway was honored on the field during the Texas Bowl.
-Lagway was named the Bobby Dodd National Back of the Year by the Touchdown Club of Atlanta. This award is known as the “High School Heisman.” Lagway joined players such as Arch Manning, Trevor Lawrence, Travis Hunter, Najee Harris, Tim Tebow and Peyton Manning as winners of the award.
-Lagway was named the 2023 MaxPreps National High School Football Player of the Year.
“He’s the best quarterback in the nation. And it’s not even close,” said 4-star Florida linebacker signee Myles Graham. “He’s the most complete quarterback, the smartest and he’s going to put the University of Florida on his back. I’m excited to play with him.”
